Home Automation Questions (x10 stuff)?

[Kimper]

I would like to add control of my swimming pool's lights to Meedio.



I am having a hard time finding a basic detailed explanation of exactly how to do this. The pool lights aer on a regular looking wall switch on the back porch at the moment..



I think I can get the x10 plugins, an x10 firecracker kit, and an x10 wall switch control and be good to go...



But what is Meedio Housebot, and how is it different from the x10 plugins?



I would love some step-by-step directions/faqs for this sort of thing if anyone could point me in the right direction.



Thanks!

[msreyes]

I also have a handful of X10 modules and am using firecracker. I tried the x10 plugins without success.. any help to configure this would be great.

[Cassius]

just a shot in the dark here, but maybe you'd get more responses about HouseBot in the...HouseBot Forums...



as for the x10, heres what I did:

Install firecracker, attach the little COM port dongle thingy: reboot.

Add your X10 module, configure, and it should be good to go. Of course, make sure the firecracker stuff works before you try it in Meedio. It was really no hassle at all; maybe the easiest set up I went through so far, since I did almost zero config.

[ScottBot]

The HouseBot Firecracker plugin works well most of the time. If you plan on growing your automation system much beyond a few switches, I think you will be limited with the Firecracker. You might want to consider a PowerLinc USB module, CM11a, etc. for X10 control. If you're looking for a wireless solution, try the W800 plugin. The firecracker plugin can also be problematic due to it's odd timing requirements and differences in machine environments. If you haven't already, read the online help for the plugin. It will give some recommendations on setting the Transmit Delay and Command Repeat Count properties that help adjust for timing differences on different machines.

[Kimper]

Thanks for the responses. Posted here because it is a very general question about automation...



I ordered the firecracker... We will see how it goes:)



Thanks!

[ericvic]

If you want to do any serious X-10 home automation then I would stay away from the Firecracker interface. If I remember correctly the Firecracker interface is send only no receive. That means if you have two way switches or an X-10 thermostat you won't be able to poll it for it current status.



Personally I would go with one of the newer interfaces that offer two way communications. They cost a bit more but are worth it.



Eric